VITAMIN B6 (PRYIDOXINE AND RELATED COMPOUNDS)

Vitamin B6 is actually a group of closely related substances pyridoxine,
pyridoxinal and pyridoxaminc that work together. They are excreted by your body
about eight hours after you consume them, so you need to replace this vitamin
regularly.

B6 acts as a natural, safe diuretic, flushing extra water and watersoluble
wastes from your body. The B6 trio helps your nervous system function properly.
Helps nerve impulses transmit properly. Pyridoxine and its related compounds
are also essential for your immune system, and a lack of B6 may even shrink your
immune tissues.

This vitamin helps the body produce antibodies, those proteins that fight
off foreign infectious invaders, as well as red blood cells. Two of your immune
system's most important elements, your thymus and spleen, need pyridoxine for
their normal functioning.

Other Benefits: Helps keep sexual organs healthy. In men, helps
reduce the inflammation of the prostate gland known as prostatitis. For women,
this vitamin is especially helpful in relieving premenstrual fluid retention.
May help alleviate depression. Supplements are an effective and low-risk
alternative to surgery for the nerve disease carpal-tunnel syndrome. Can reduce
symptoms in patients with the fatal blood disorder sickle-cell anemia.

Good for These Symptoms:

Premenstrual tension

Depression

Sore mouth and gums

Some skin problems

Signs of Deficiency:

Mouth and tongue inflammation

Convulsions

Depression

Deficiency most common among heavy drinkers and users of oral
contraceptives

Sources:

Herring

Salmon

Beef

Pork

Lamb

Liver

Kidney

Poultry

Whole grains including wheat germ

Grapes

Cantaloupe

Bananas

Nuts

Brewers' yeast

Blackstrap molasses

Milk

Eggs

Carrots

Peas

Potatoes

RDA: 2.2 mg

Optimal Level: 150 mg

Maximum: 100 mg

Signs of Toxicity: In megadoses of 2,000 to 6,000 mg a day, B6 can
create serious side effects including impairment of the sensory nerves
including: